Champions Online Forum Tidbits

Another round of Q&As taken from the Champions Online forum in the Ask Cryptic format.

Could you describe what are the different goals of the Alpha and Beta phases of a game development? What are your expectations from them? And where’s CO standing right now? (Kebeck)

Chris Lena (Lead Producer): In general, as we grow the number of people playing Champions Online from home there is a sliding change in focus. At the very start we are especially concerned with making sure that installing, launching, consuming account keys and server stability are operating smoothly. We really want to work out those kinks before we start adding large numbers of people. The other big item here is just a general game sanity check. Is there something that we overlooked in gameplay that we didn’t see because we look at the game every day?

As the time goes on our focus grows increasingly towards content and feature feedback . trying to see what is and isn’t fun. Adding more zones, powers, etc. We want to slowly make more content and features available so that we can get the kind of testing focus that we need. Then when we reach the final stretch it should be down to balancing and polishing.

At this point, we and a few close others are connecting and playing from home for pre-defined periods of time. Things are right on track and no major problems yet.

Hmmm, I hope I didn’t just jinx it. 😉